The Waratahs have confirmed that two of their stars will miss the start of the 2012 Super Rugby season.

Wallabies duo Drew Mitchell and Rocky Elsom will both sit out the opening rounds of the campaign with injuries sustained last year. Both played a part in the 2011 World Cup with Mitchell struggling with injury throughout and Elsom undergoing the surgeon's knife in November.

Mitchell is more of an injury worry than Elsom with no definite return date set. The Waratahs statement read: "Drew is currently undergoing rehabilitation and treatment for a tear to the tibialis posterior tendon [right ankle], caused by the tendon rubbing on a spur of bone that was the result of the fracture he suffered in April.

"In November Drew was operated on to remove the bone fragment and a small part of the tendon. During his rehabilitation, Drew developed tendinopathy which has impacted on his recovery.

"Several weeks of rest failed to alleviate symptoms. Waratahs Rugby Chief Medical Officer Dr Sharron Flahive in consultation with the ARU have decided Drew will now undergo a period of immobilisation in a boot, with ongoing treatment, for a period of up to four weeks, after which time his condition will be assessed."

Elsom is currently back running in training and looks set for a March return.